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2 November
Third sector leads the way in disability equality – report
Third sector organisations are leading the way in disability equality, according to a new report published by Employers' Forum on Disability (EFD).
The results of the Disability Standard 2007 Benchmark Survey shows the not-for-profit sector to be setting goals to enable disabled people to reach their full potential in employment.
Results also show that the majority have established an organisational structure to motivate staff to take disability equality seriously.
Key findings from the Disability Standard 2007 include:
- 77% of third sector participants in the survey ensure disability equality in recruitment and selection.
- 80% also ensure disability equality in work, workplace design and employee support.
- 81% have established a management structure and have the resources available to motivate staff.
Phil Friend OBE, EFD associate and director of diversity consultancy Minty & Friend, said: “These findings are extremely encouraging and demonstrate what can be done when organisations develop clear strategies for becoming disability confident as part of their mainstream business.
“I hope that other businesses will follow the example set by the not-for-profit sector.”
Susan Scott-Parker, chief executive of EFD says: “We want all businesses and organisations to understand the need to adopt disability as a business issue.
“Becoming disability confident will benefit the not-for-profit sector well as the disabled people they serve and employ.”
The Benchmark Survey is sponsored by Motability Operations.
Ends
The results of the Employers' Forum Disability Standard 2007 will be released in full at the 'Benchmark for action' conference and reception, hosted by HM Treasury, London, on 2 November.
For interviews, case studies or a copy of the full Employers' Forum Disability Standard report please contact:
Issy RulePR & Communications Coordinator
Employers' Forum on Disability press office
Email: issy.rule@employers-forum.co.uk
Telephone: 020 7403 3020
About Employers' Forum on Disability
Employers' Forum on Disability is the employers' organisation focused on disability as it affects employers and service providers.
With over 400 members, EFD represents organisations that employ around 25 per cent of the UK workforce.
Since its establishment in 1991, EFD has worked closely with government and other stakeholders, sharing best practice to make it easier to employ disabled people and serve disabled customers.
About the Disability Standard
The Disability Standard is the only management tool that enables organisations to accurately measure their performance on disability, in every way it affects the business, and to put in place action plans that deliver real business improvement.
116 organisations took part in the Disability Standard 2007, between them employing around two million people in the UK.
Five not-for-profit organisations took part in the survey